‘I’m learning my limits with alcohol’

Vunipola revealed he only started drinking alcohol last year, and is still learning how to deal with it.

“After I did my knee against Argentina, and went through a tough break-up with my ex, I needed something to take my mind off it,” he said. “So I drank that night at [England’s team hotel] Pennyhill for the first time ever.

“I just never got into it before, and it took a massive change in my life to bring it on. I was always adamant I was never going to drink.

“I’m still learning [my limits], but it’s something I do with the boys.”

Media playback is not supported on this device

‘I’d like to be a plumber or electrician’

Vunipola says he does not fear life after rugby, and says he would like to train as a plumber or electrician upon retirement.

“It’s something I think will be the closest environment to a rugby environment,” he said.

“Life after rugby will come. A lot of people are scared of it, but my philosophy after rugby is ‘just try’.”

Tongan first, English second

Vunipola, who moved to the United Kingdom with his family at the age of six, says he still considers himself Tongan first and foremost.